After passing through the gates into the ultra-exclusive community of Palmetto Bluff, you’ll travel the quaint, winding road lined with old oaks dripping in Spanish Moss. The main building at Montage Palmetto Bluff greets you with a large porch complete with rocking chairs and smiling bellmen at the ready to collect your luggage and direct you to the front desk. The main building is stunning and it is hard to believe that is was built only 3 years ago; the historical integrity of the design is that good.
Check in is quick and seamless with a canoe-shaped wagon at the ready for little guests to select a stuffed animal to kick off their stay.
The Montage Palmetto Bluff has 200 rooms which include 30 stand-alone cottages nestled throughout the property. I was lucky enough to enjoy two nights in a Lagoon View Inn room, which was decorated impeccably with bright bedding and artwork, a comfy loveseat and outfitted with all the comforts of home. The bathroom was a winner, featuring a gorgeous claw-foot tub and a steam shower complete with organic & clean scented toiletries. The balcony was, by far, the best part of the room. With a lovely view of the lagoon, the pool, and one of the several fire pits on site it was the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast.
The Montage Palmetto Bluff has no shortage of activities on site for guests; there is a bike for every guest and plenty of paved paths to pedal about. Each room also has the option of renting a golf cart for guests who want a more expedient way to explore the expansive property and the extending neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff. Small shops line the pathways opposite the various docks where clients can fish, swim, rent a kayak or even charter a boat with a captain for the day, which is a must! Zipping through the waterways with a seasoned low-country captain is a true South Carolina experience. Our captain, who goes by Boo, drove us through the many creeks that wind through the shoreline, showing us the various wildlife to appreciate in the area. Most notably, we were lucky enough to spot a mother dolphin teaching her baby how to strand; a unique method of hunting fish specific to dolphins that live along to 200 miles of coastline from Charleston to Savannah.
We took a break from boating to explore the area’s diving dock, where guests are encouraged to take part in the local tradition of jumping from 30-foot docks into the warm Carolina waters. Across from the dock is an amazing adventure area guests can rent out complete with an open-air kitchen, picnic tables, hammocks and pathways that wind through the picturesque low-country.
The Montage Palmetto Bluff also offers skeet shooting to its guests to test their skills. The shooting guides took us to one of the blinds and taught us the basics of gun safety, ensuring that we all understood the proper procedure for enjoying this fun and energizing pastime. Incredibly skilled shooters themselves, they were patient in their instruction and helped everyone feel secure in taking their shots. It was my first time shooting skeet and I truly loved every moment of it – going so far as to proclaim it my new hobby! Guests can rent out a time slot and go through the entire circuit with a guide/instructor or they can simply camp out at a blind that accommodates everyone in their party.
There are 6 restaurants and 2 bars on property, ranging from the fine dining at the Canoe Club to classic, southern fair at Cole’s. Of course, reservations made through Ourisman Travel will include Virtuoso amenities with complimentary breakfast, which can be enjoyed at the Octagon Porch or, treat your self to breakfast in bed and order through in-room dining!
The property also has 3 fire pits that feature a nightly s’mores bar with homemade marshmallows ranging in flavors from classic marshmallow to mocha, crème brulé and key lime pie just to name a few.
Although there are so many things about the Montage Palmetto Bluff that make it special, the biggest takeaway is how family friendly the property is. Kids can be seen biking along the pathways in big groups, having met each other on their own family vacations and enjoying the freedom of running free in a safe environment. It harkens back to the days of coming home when the streetlights come on. Strangers become friends here, enjoying the southern tradition of porch sitting while their children explore the various playgrounds and tree houses that litter Palmetto Bluff. With the weather being warm year-round and a great many activities to keep everyone occupied, the Montage Palmetto Bluff is a fantastic option for a family trip. The nearest airport is located a 20-minute drive in nearby Savannah and though it is tucked away in the countryside it is still easily accessible.
I cannot say enough positive things about this amazing property. To learn more about my experience at the Montage Palmetto Bluff and to book your own visit to this Southern paradise, fill out our Travel Request Form or email the Team at [email protected]
